Jude Bellingham has hit out at reports suggesting he was among a group of Real Madrid players who did not take to Xabi Alonso's coaching methods, calling the stories a 'load of s***'. The England midfielder took to his JB5 app to denounce what he described as 'damaging misinformation' spread for clicks.
Alonso's tenure at Real Madrid lasted just seven months, ending after a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final. The Spaniard leaves with a record of 24 wins, four draws and six defeats from 34 matches, having joined the club last summer after guiding Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title.
'Until now I've let far too many of these slide,' Bellingham wrote. 'But honestly... What a load of s***. Truly feel sorry for the people that hang on to the every word of these clowns and their sources.' He also posted a farewell message to Alonso on social media, saying: 'Thank you, Mister. It was a pleasure, all the very best for the future!'
Alonso himself released a statement on Instagram, acknowledging the end of his 'chapter' at the club. 'Coaching Real Madrid has been both an honour and a responsibility,' he said. 'I leave with respect, gratitude, and the pride of having done my best.'
In the meantime, Alvaro Arbeloa has taken interim charge until the end of the season. Among the high-profile names linked with the permanent role is Jurgen Klopp, but the former Liverpool manager distanced himself from the vacancy, saying his phone had not rung from Madrid. 'The expectations at Real Madrid are obviously enormous,' Klopp added. 'To make a decision like that in the heat of the moment – after losing a cup final to Barcelona – says a lot.'
